GUIDE WIRE

Abstract

 A guide wire 1 includes an elongated wire body 2 having flexibility; a distal side coating layer 6 that covers a distal portion of the wire body 2 and is configured with a resin material; and a tubular member 7 that is inserted through the wire body 2 and of which a distal portion is positioned in the vicinity of a proximal portion of the distal side coating layer 6. A plurality of melted portions 77 which are concavely deformed to the wire body 2 side by melting are formed in the tubular member 7. The tubular member 7 is fixed to the wire body 2 by bringing the melted portion 77 into press-contact with the wire body 2. The plurality of melted portions 77 are irregularly formed along an axis direction of the tubular member 7.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a guide wire.

Background Art

[0002] When inserting a catheter into a living body lumen such as a digestive tract and a blood vessel, a guide wire is employed in order to guide the catheter to a target site of the living body lumen. The guide wire is employed by being inserted through an inside of the catheter. In addition, observation or treatment for the living body lumen is performed by employing an endoscope, and thus, the guide wire is also employed in order to guide the catheter inserted into the endoscope or a lumen of the endoscope to the target site of the living body lumen.

[0003] A guide wire is known which has an elongated wire body, a resin coating layer for covering a distal portion of the wire body and an annular member arranged on a proximal side of the resin coating layer (for example, refer to Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2. The guide wire disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 prevents curling of the resin coating layer by defining a proximal outer diameter of the resin coating layer and a distal outer diameter of the annular member, but guide wires which can further prevent the curling have been required.

Citation List

Patent Document

[0004] 

Patent Document 1: JP-A-2008-307367

Patent Document 2: WO2011/118443

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Problem to be solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a guide wire which can reliably prevent a medical device such as a catheter used in combination with the guide wire from being caught on a curled portion when a proximal side portion of a coating layer is curled.

Means for solving the Problem

[0006] The object may be achieved by the present invention described in the following (1) to (5).

(1) A guide wire including: an elongated wire body having flexibility; a distal side coating layer that covers a distal portion of the wire body and is configured with a resin material; and a tubular member that is inserted through the wire body and of which a distal portion is positioned in the vicinity of a proximal portion of the distal side coating layer; in which a plurality of melted portions which are concavely deformed to the wire body side by melting are formed in the tubular member, and the tubular member is fixed to the wire body by bringing the melted portion into press-contact with the wire body.

(2) The guide wire described in the aforesaid (1), in which the plurality of melted portions are irregularly formed along an axis direction of the tubular member.

(3) The guide wire described in the aforesaid (1) or (2), in which a site corresponding to the melted portion of the tubular member has rigidity lower than that of other sites.

(4) The guide wire described in any one of the aforesaid (1) to (3), in which the melted portion is formed in a proximal portion of the tubular member.

(5) The guide wire described in the aforesaid (4), in which the tubular member has a tapered portion of which an outer diameter is tapered toward a proximal side and the melted portion is formed in the tapered portion.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, since a tubular member and a wire body are firmly fixed to each other by a melted portion of the tubular member, even if the wire body is curved near the tubular member, the tubular member curves along the wire body. Therefore, since smooth bending can be realized without forming an unnecessary gap between the tubular member and the wire body, it is possible to prevent a proximal side of a distal side coating layer from being curled.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0008] 

[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a first embodiment of a guide wire according to the present invention.

[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a tubular member included in the guide wire illustrated in Fig. 1.

[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a manufacturing method of the tubular member illustrated in Fig. 2.

[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a plan view illustrating a tubular member included in a guide wire according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a plan view illustrating a tubular member included in a guide wire according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a plan view illustrating a tubular member included in a guide wire according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a plan view illustrating a tubular member included in a guide wire according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Embodiments

[0009] Hereinafter, a guide wire according to the present invention will be described in detail based on suitable embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment>

[0010] Firstly, a guide wire according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the first embodiment of the guide wire according to the present invention, Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a tubular member included in the guide wire illustrated in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is a view illustrating an example of a manufacturing method of the tubular member illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0012] Note that, hereinafter, for convenience of description, the right side in Fig. 1 (similarly applied to Figs. 2 and 3 which will be described below) is referred to as a "proximal", and the left side in the same is referred to as a "distal". In addition, in each drawing, in order to facilitate understanding, the guide wire is schematically illustrated in such a manner that the guide wire is shortened in a longitudinal direction and is excessively extended in a thickness direction, respectively. A ratio of dimensions in the longitudinal direction to dimensions in the thickness direction is different from the actual ratio.

[0013] A guide wire 1 illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 is a catheter guide wire which is inserted in a lumen of a catheter (also including an endoscope) to be employed. The guide wire 1 has an elongated wire body 2, a spiral coil 4, a distal side coating layer 6 (hereinafter referred to as "resin coating layer 6"), and a tubular member 7 provided to be protruded from the wire body 2.

[0014] An overall length of the guide wire 1 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the overall length be approximately 200 mm to 5,000 mm. In addition, an average outer diameter of the guide wire 1 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the average outer diameter be approximately 0.2 mm to 1.2 mm.

(Wire Body)

[0015] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the wire body 2 is configured with a first wire 21 arranged on a distal side and a second wire 22 arranged on a proximal side of the first wire 21. The first wire 21 and the second wire 22 are firmly connected to each other by welding.

[0016] A method of welding the first wire 21 and the second wire 22 is not particularly limited. For example, the welding method includes spot welding employing a laser, butt resistance welding such as butt seam welding, and the like. However, it is preferable to use the butt resistance welding.

[0017] The first wire 21 is a wire having elasticity. A length of the first wire 21 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the length be approximately 20 mm to 1,000 mm.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the first wire 21 has constant outer diameter portions 211 and 212 which are positioned at both end portions thereof and of which outer diameters are constant in a longitudinal direction, and a tapered portion (first gradually decreasing outer diameter portion) 213 which is positioned between the constant outer diameter portions 211 and 212 and of which an outer diameter gradually decreases toward a distal direction.

[0019] By disposing the tapered portion 213, it is possible to gradually decrease rigidity (flexural rigidity, torsional rigidity) of the first wire 21 toward the distal direction. As a result, the guide wire 1 obtains excellent softness in a distal portion, thereby improving a blood vessel tracking property and safety while it is possible to prevent the guide wire 1 from being bent.

[0020]  A length of the tapered portion 213 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the length is approximately 10 mm to 1,000 mm, and it is more preferable that the length is approximately 20 mm to 300 mm. If the length is within this range, it is possible to more gradually change the rigidity along the longitudinal direction.

[0021] In the present embodiment, the tapered portion 213 has a tapered shape of which the outer diameter continuously decreases toward the distal direction at a substantially constant decreasing rate. In other words, a tapering angle of the tapered portion 213 is substantially constant along the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the guide wire 1 can be gradually changed in rigidity along the longitudinal direction.

[0022] Note that, unlike in the configuration, the tapering angle of the tapered portion 213 may be changed along the longitudinal direction. For example, the tapered portion 213 may be formed by alternately repeating relatively large tapering angle portions and relatively small tapering angle portions multiple times. In this case, the tapered portion 213 may have a portion of which the tapering angle is zero degrees.

[0023] It is preferable that a configuring material of the first wire 21 be a metal material. For example, it is possible to use various metal materials such as stainless steel (for example, SUS304, SUS303, SUS316, SUS316L, SUS316J1, SUS316J1L, SUS405, SUS430, SUS434, SUS444, SUS429, SUS430F, SUS302, and the like) and pseudo-elastic alloys (including super-elastic alloy). However, it is preferable to use the super-elastic alloy. Since the super-elastic alloy is relatively soft, is resilient, and is unlikely to be bent, the first wire 21 is configured with the super-elastic alloy, and thus, the guide wire 1 can obtain sufficient softness and resilience with respect to bending in a distal side portion thereof. Moreover, the property of tracking blood vessels, which are complicatedly curved and bent, is improved, and more excellent operability can be obtained. Even if the first wire 21 repeatedly deforms to be curved and bent, the first wire 21 is unlikely to be bent by being resilient. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a degraded operability which is caused by a bending tendency of the first wire 21 while using the guide wire 1.

[0024] The pseudo-elastic alloy includes those which have any shape of stress-strain curves caused by tension, those which can significantly measure a transformation point such as As, Af, Ms, and Mf, those which cannot measure the transformation point, and all of those which are largely deformed by stress and are substantially restored to their original shapes by eliminating the stress.

[0025] As a preferable composition of the super-elastic alloy, Ni-Ti-based alloys such as Ni-Ti alloys containing Ni in a range of 49 at% to 52 at%, Cu-Zn alloys containing Zn in a range of 38.5 wt% to 41.5 wt%, Cu-Zn-X alloys containing X in a range of 1 wt% to 10 wt% (X is at least one type among Be, Si, Sn, Al and Ga), Ni-Al alloys containing Al in a range of 36 at% to 38 at%, and the like can be exemplified. Among these, a particularly preferable composition is the aforesaid Ni-Ti-based alloys.

[0026] A distal portion of the second wire 22 is interlocked with a proximal portion of the first wire 21. The second wire 22 is a wire having elasticity. The length of the second wire 22 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the length be approximately 20 mm to 4,800 mm.

[0027] In the present embodiment, the second wire 22 has constant outer diameter portions 221 and 222 which are positioned at both end portions thereof and of which outer diameters are constant in the longitudinal direction, and a tapered portion (second gradually decreasing outer diameter portion) 223 which is positioned between the constant outer diameter portions 221 and 222 and of which an outer diameter gradually decreases toward the distal direction. Note that, the outer diameter of the constant outer diameter portion 221 is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the constant outer diameter portion 212 of the first wire 21.

[0028] By disposing the tapered portion 223 in the second wire 22, it is possible to gradually decrease rigidity of the second wire 22 (flexural rigidity, torsional rigidity) toward the distal direction. As a result, the operability and safety are improved when the guide wire 1 is inserted into a living body.

[0029] In the present embodiment, the tapered portion 223 has a tapered shape of which the outer diameter continuously decreases toward the distal direction at a substantially constant decreasing rate. In other words, a tapering angle of the tapered portion 223 is substantially constant along the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the guide wire 1 can be gradually changed in rigidity along the longitudinal direction.

[0030] Note that, unlike in the configuration, the tapering angle of the tapered portion 223 may be changed along the longitudinal direction. For example, the tapered portion 223 may be formed by alternately repeating the relatively large tapering angle portions and the relatively small tapering angle portions multiple times. In this case, the tapered portion 223 may have a portion of which the tapering angle is zero degrees.

[0031] It is preferable that a configuring material (element) of the second wire 22 be the metal material. It is possible to use the various metal materials such as the stainless steel (for example, all types of SUS such as SUS304, SUS303, SUS316, SUS316L, SUS316J1, SUS316J1L, SUS405, SUS430, SUS434, SUS444, SUS429, SUS430F, SUS302, and the like), a piano wire, a cobalt-based alloy, and the pseudo-elastic alloy.

[0032] Among these, the cobalt-based alloy has a high elastic modulus when formed into a wire, and an appropriate elastic limit. Therefore, the second wire 22 configured with the cobalt-based alloy has particularly excellent torque transmissibility, and thus, a problem of buckling is extremely unlikely to occur. As long as the cobalt-based alloy contains Co as a constituent element, any one may be employed. However, it is preferable to use those which contain Co as a main component (Co-based alloy: among constituent elements of the alloy, an alloy of which Co content rate is the highest in a weight ratio). It is more preferable to employ Co-Ni-Cr-based alloys. The alloy with such a composition has plasticity for deformation at room temperature. Accordingly, for example, it is possible to easily change the alloy into a desired shape when in use. In addition, the alloy with such a composition has a high elastic coefficient and can be subjected to cold forming with the high elastic limit. Since the alloy has the high elastic limit, it is possible to reduce the diameter while sufficiently preventing occurrence of the buckling. Therefore, it is possible for the second wire 22 to be provided with the sufficient softness and the rigidity to be inserted in a predetermined site.

[0033] In addition, when the stainless steel is employed as the configuring material of the second wire 22, the guide wire 1 can acquire more excellent thrust-in performance and the torque transmissibility.

[0034]  In the guide wire 1, the first wire 21 and the second wire 22 are configured with the same type of alloy. The alloy is the pseudo-elastic alloy, and for example, the Ni-Ti-based alloy may be exemplified.

[0035] Note that, in the guide wire 1, the first wire 21 and the second wire 22 may be configured with different types of alloys. In this case, it is preferable that the first wire 21 be configured with a material having the elastic modulus lower than the configuring material of the second wire 22. This allows the guide wire 1 to have the excellent softness in the distal side portion and have the sufficient rigidity (flexural rigidity, torsional rigidity) in the proximal side portion. As a result, the guide wire 1 acquires the excellent thrust-in performance and the torque transmissibility. While ensuring the good operability, the guide wire 1 acquires the good softness and the resilience on the distal side. In this regard, the blood vessel tracking property and the safety are improved.

[0036] In addition, as a specific combination between the first wire 21 and the second wire 22, it is preferable that the first wire 21 be configured with the super-elastic alloy (Ni-Ti alloy) and the second wire 22 be configured with the stainless steel. This allows the aforementioned effects to be more conspicuous.

[0037] Hitherto, the wire body 2 has been described.

(Coil)

[0038] The coil 4 is arranged to extend around an outer periphery of the distal portion of the wire body 2. The coil 4 is a member formed by winding element wires in a spiral shape and covers the outer periphery of the distal portion of the wire body 2. The wire body 2 is inserted through a substantially central portion inside the coil 4. In addition, in the guide wire 1, the coil 4 is in contact with the wire body 2, that is, the coil 4 is in close contact with the outer periphery of the wire body 2. However, without being limited thereto, for example, the coil 4 may be separated from the outer periphery of the wire body 2.

[0039] In addition, in the guide wire 1, in a state where an external force is not applied, the coil 4 has no gap between the element wires wound in the spiral shape. Unlike in the illustration, in the state where the external force is not applied, a gap may be made between the element wires wound in the spiral shape.

[0040]  It is preferable that the coil 4 be configured with an X-ray impermeable metal material (material having X-ray contrast property). As the material, for example, precious metals such as gold, platinum, tungsten, or alloys containing these (for example, platinum-iridium alloy) can be exemplified. Since the coil 4 is configured with the X-ray impermeable metal material, the guide wire 1 can acquire the X-ray contrast property. Therefore, it is preferably possible to insert the guide wire 1 in the living body while checking a position of the distal portion in X-ray fluoroscopy.

[0041] A proximal portion of the coil 4 is fixed to the tapered portion 213 of the wire body 2 through a fixing material 31, and a distal portion of the coil 4 is fixed to the constant outer diameter portion 211 of the wire body 2 through a fixing material 32. The fixing materials 31 and 32 are respectively configured with adhesive agents, for example, but may be configured with solder (brazing material).

(Resin Coating Layer)

[0042] In addition, the guide wire 1 has a resin coating layer 6 which collectively covers the distal portion of the wire body 2, the coil 4 and the fixing materials 31 and 32. The resin coating layer 6 is in close contact with the outer periphery of the distal portion of the wire body 2. Note that, in the present embodiment, the resin coating layer 6 is not inserted in the coil 4, but may be inserted in the coil 4.

[0043] The resin coating layer 6 can be formed for various purposes. As an example thereof, it is possible to provide the resin coating layer 6 in order to improve the operability of the guide wire 1 by enhancing a sliding property and in order to improve the safety when inserting the guide wire 1 in the blood vessels, and the like.

[0044] The resin coating layer 6 is configured with a sufficiently soft material (soft material, elastic material). As the material, without being particularly limited, for example, a polyolefin such as a polyethylene and a polypropylene, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyester (PET, PBT, and the like), a polyamide, a polyimide, a polyurethane, a polystyrene, a polycarbonate, a silicone resin, a fluorine resin (PTFE, ETFE, PFA, and the like), composite materials thereof, various rubber materials such as a latex rubber and a silicone rubber, and composite materials obtained by combining two or more out of these materials can be exemplified. Then, particularly, it is preferable to use a urethane-based resin out of these materials. If the resin coating layer 6 is mainly configured with the urethane-based resin, the softness in the distal portion of the guide wire 1 is further improved. Therefore, when inserting the guide wire 1 in the blood vessels and the like, it is possible to reliably prevent damage to an endothelial wall of the blood vessels and the like, thereby extremely enhancing the safety.

[0045] In addition, a distal surface 61 of the resin coating layer 6 is rounded. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent damage to an endothelial wall of a body cavity such as blood vessels due to the distal surface 61. In addition, a proximal 63 of the resin coating layer 6 is positioned in the constant outer diameter portion 212 of the wire body 2 (first wire 21).

[0046] In the resin coating layer 6, particles (filler) composed of the X-ray impermeable material may be dispersed. In this case, the guide wire 1 can acquire the X-ray contrast property. Therefore, it is possible to insert the guide wire 1 in the living body while checking the position of the distal portion in the X-ray fluoroscopy. The X-ray impermeable material is not particularly limited, but for example, precious metals such as platinum, tungsten, or alloy materials containing these materials can be exemplified.

[0047] A thickness of the resin coating layer 6 is not particularly limited, but may be appropriately selected in view of a forming purpose, a configuring material and a forming method of the resin coating layer 6. In general, it is preferable that the average thickness thereof be approximately 5 µm to 500 µm, and it is more preferable that it be approximately 10 µm to 350 µm. Note that, the resin coating layer 6 may be a laminated body having two or more layers.

(Coating Layer 9)

[0048] The coating layer 9 is formed so as to cover the proximal portion of the wire body 2, specifically, substantially an entire region from the proximal portion of the second wire to the tapered portion 223. The coating layer 9 is configured so that an inner layer 91, an outer layer 92 and a linear body 93 are formed (laminated) on the outer periphery of the wire body 2 in this order.

[0049] The inner layer 91 is formed on the outer periphery of the wire body 2. A resin material of the inner layer 91 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to be a fluorine-based resin material, for example. In addition, the inner layer 91 contains two types of the fluorine-based resin materials with compositions different from each other. For example, as two types of the fluorine-based resin material, it is possible to use polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) for one type and fluoride ethylene propylene (FEP) for the other type.

[0050] Furthermore, since the layer of the inner layer 91 is formed on the outer periphery of the wire body 2, for example, in order to improve adhesion to the wire body 2, the inner layer 91 contains a resin material functioning as a binder in the configuring materials of the inner layer 91. The resin material is not particularly limited, but for example, a polysulfone, a polyimide, a polyether ether ketone, a polyarylene ketone, a polyphenylene sulfide, a polyarylene sulfide, a polyamide-imide, a polyether-imide, a polyimide sulfone, a polyarylsulfone, a polyarylether sulfone, a polyester, a polyether sulfone, and the like can be exemplified.

[0051] Note that, a thickness of the inner layer 91 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is preferable that the thickness be 0.001 mm to 0.020 mm. It is more preferable that the thickness be 0.001 mm to 0.010 mm.

[0052] The outer layer 92 is formed on the inner layer 91. The resin material of the outer layer 92 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is preferable to employ the fluorine-based resin material similar to that of the inner layer 91. As the fluorine-based resin material, for example, it is possible to employ the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), the fluoride ethylene propylene (FEP), and the like.

[0053] Note that, a thickness of the outer layer 92 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is preferable that the thickness be 0.001 mm to 0.030 mm. It is more preferable that the thickness be 0.001 mm to 0.015 mm.

[0054] The linear body 93 is formed on the outer layer 92. The linear body 93 is wound in the spiral shape (refer to Fig. 1). In this manner, the linear body 93 is provided around substantially an entire periphery of the second wire 22. In addition, the linear body 93 is coarsely wound so that the adjacent wires are separated from each other. In the present embodiment, the number of the formed linear bodies 93 is one or more. When there are multiple formed linear bodies 93, a winding direction of spiral of each linear body 93 may be the same as each other or may be opposite to each other.

[0055] This linear body 93 allows the second wire 22 (wire body 2) to have a plurality of convex portions 94 configured with the linear body 93 on the outer surface thereof and a concave portion 95 formed between the adjacent convex portions 94 (linear bodies 93).

[0056] The resin material in the linear body 93 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is preferable to employ the fluorine-based resin material similar to that of the inner layer 91. As the fluorine-based resin material, for example, it is possible to employ the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), the fluoride ethylene propylene (FEP), and the like.

[0057] In the guide wire 1, a frictional coefficient in the convex portion 94 (linear body 93) is less than the frictional coefficient in a bottom portion 951 (exposed portion of outer layer 92) of the concave portion 95.

(Tubular Member)

[0058] The tubular member 7 is configured with a cylindrical (ring-shaped) member and is fixedly arranged in the constant outer diameter portion 212 of the wire body 2 (first wire 21). In addition, the tubular member 7 is provided so as to protrude from the wire body 2 to the outer periphery.

[0059] An inner diameter ϕd1 of the tubular member 7 is slightly greater than an outer diameter ϕd2 of the constant outer diameter portion 212. In other words, a relationship of ϕd1 > ϕd2 is satisfied, and a gap S is formed between an inner peripheral surface of the tubular member 7 and an outer peripheral surface of the constant outer diameter portion 212. Note that, a thickness D of the gap S is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the thickness D be approximately 5 µm to 30 µm. By forming the thickness D of the gap S as described above, the gap S further decreases, and the sense of integration between the first wire 21 and the tubular member 7 increases, thereby improving the operability. In addition, the tubular member 7 is movable with respect to the wire body 2 in a state of not being welded. Accordingly, it is possible to simply manufacture the guide wire 1 through a manufacturing method described below.

[0060] In addition, a distal 71 of the tubular member 7 is in contact with the resin coating layer 6, and the proximal 63 of the resin coating layer 6 is inserted on an inner side (gap S) of the tubular member 7. In other words, the distal 71 of the tubular member 7 is positioned closer to a distal side than the proximal 63 of the resin coating layer 6. Therefore, the proximal 63 of the resin coating layer 6 is not exposed on a surface of the guide wire 1 (does not face outward from guide wire 1).

[0061] In addition, an outer diameter (maximum outer diameter) ϕd3 of the tubular member 7 is greater than an outer diameter ϕd4 of the resin coating layer 6 where the distal 71 of the tubular member 7 is positioned. This tubular member 7 causes the proximal 63 of the resin coating layer 6 to be positioned further inside than an outer peripheral surface of the tubular member 7.

[0062] In addition, the outer diameter ϕd3 of the tubular member 7 is smaller than (or the same as) the maximum outer diameter ϕd5 of the resin coating layer 6. A length of the tubular member 7 is also shorter than a length of the resin coating layer 6. Since there is the above described relationship of small and large sizes, for example, when the guide wire 1 moves inside the living body lumen, the resin coating layer 6 having a high sliding property in the distal portion thereof abuts on a wall portion defining the living body lumen preferentially over the tubular member 7. This enables the guide wire 1 to be operated without degrading the operability.

[0063] The length of the tubular member 7 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the length be approximately 0.5 mm to 2 mm. By being formed at such a length, the tubular member 7 can have a length sufficient for exhibiting its function and can effectively prevent degradation in the operability of the guide wire 1 which is caused by the excessively lengthened tubular member 7.

[0064] Specifically, a section S11 where the tubular member 7 of the wire body 2 is provided has the rigidity higher than those of a section S12 of the distal side thereof and a section S13 of the proximal side, thereby being unlikely to be curved and deformed when compared to the sections S12 and S13. If the section S11 which is unlikely to be curved is long, there is a possibility that the operability (particularly, tracking property) of the guide wire 1 may be degraded. Therefore, by arranging the tubular member 7 to have the above-described length and shortening as much as possible the section S11 which is unlikely to be curved and deformed, it is possible to effectively prevent the above-described degradation in the operability.

[0065] A proximal portion of the tubular member 7 is configured with a tapered portion 76 of which an outer diameter gradually decreases toward the proximal direction. Then, at the tapered portion 76, the tubular member 7 is fixed (bonded) to the wire body 2. By disposing the tapered portion 76, it is possible to gradually change the rigidity (flexural rigidity, torsional rigidity) of the wire body 2 including the tubular member 7 toward the proximal direction. In addition, it is possible to further minimize a difference in rigidity between the distal side and the proximal side based on a boundary of a proximal of the tubular member 7. As a result, it is possible to improve the blood vessel tracking property of the guide wire 1, and it is also possible to prevent the guide wire 1 from being bent.

[0066] In addition, the tapered portion 76 also functions as a step filling portion which fills a step between the wire body 2 and the tubular member 7. Therefore, a distal of the catheter is guided to the tubular member 7 along an outer peripheral surface (sliding on outer peripheral surface) of the tapered portion 76. In this manner, the step between the wire body 2 and the tubular member 7 is filled by the tapered portion 76, and thus, it is possible to prevent the catheter from being caught.

[0067] In the tapered portion 76, a plurality of melted portions 77 concavely deformed toward the wire body 2 by melting is formed. The melted portion 77 is in press contact with the wire body 2, and thus, the tubular member 7 is fixed to the wire body 2.

[0068] For example, the melted portion 77 can be formed by emitting energy such as a laser from the outer peripheral side to the tubular member 7 and by melting the tubular member 7 to be thermally deformed. In addition, the tapered portion 76 can be simultaneously formed with the melted portion 77 formed by emitting the aforementioned laser.

[0069] Specifically, for example, as illustrated in Fig. 3(a), the first wire 21 which is not welded to the second wire 22 and in which the distal side resin layer 6 is formed, and the tubular member 7 of which the outer diameter is constant in the longitudinal direction are first prepared. Then, the tubular member 7 is inserted from the proximal side of the first wire 21 and caused to abut on the proximal portion of the resin coating layer 6. In this state, the tubular member 7 is in a slidable state with respect to the first wire 21.

[0070] Subsequently, as illustrated in Fig. 3(b), multiple locations in the proximal portion of the tubular member 7 are irradiated with the laser at portions indicated by arrows in a spot shape (island shape).

[0071] Then, the laser irradiated portion is melted to be thermally and concavely deformed to the wire body 2. The melted portion 77 formed by the deformation abuts on (is brought into press contact with) the wire body 2 with a pressure to some extent. Accordingly, the wire body 2 is in a state of being caulked with the proximal portion of the tubular member 7, thereby fixing the tubular member 7 to the wire body 2. Moreover, as illustrated in Fig. 3(c), the front and the rear of the melted portion 77 are ground using a precision grinder while leaving concave portions, thereby forming the tapered portion 76. During a forming process of the melted portion 77, for example, burrs and the like are generated from the surroundings of the melted portion 77 as the melted portion 77 is formed. However, it is possible to form the tapered portion 76 while eliminating the burrs and the like.

[0072] Using the melted portion 77 formed in such a manner, the tubular member 7 is fixed to the wire body 2. Accordingly, it is possible to fix the tubular member 7 to the wire body 2 without using another member such as the adhesive agent or the solder, for example. Therefore, the guide wire 1 has a simple configuration and the guide wire 1 is easily manufactured. In addition, for example, when fixing the tubular member 7 to the wire body 2 by using the aforementioned adhesive agent or solder, it is necessary to fill the gap S with the adhesive agent or the solder. Therefore, in order to fill the gap S with the adhesive agent or the solder, it is necessary to increase the thickness D of the gap S to some extent. This causes the tubular member 7 to be largely loosened from the wire body 2, thereby leading to a possibility of the degraded operability. In contrast, in the guide wire 1, the tubular member 7 is fixed thereto by using the melted portion 77. Accordingly, the thickness D of the gap S can be set thinner, and thus, it is possible to effectively prevent occurrence of the aforesaid problem.

[0073] In addition, since the melted portion 77 is annealed by melting, a site corresponding to the melted portion 77 of the tubular member 7 has the rigidity lower than that of the other portions (site where melted portion 77 is not formed, for example, distal portion). In the present embodiment, the melted portion 77 is formed in only the proximal portion of the tubular member 7, and thus, the rigidity of the proximal portion of the tubular member 7 is lower than the other portions (central portion and the distal portion). Accordingly, it is possible to change the rigidity (flexural rigidity, torsional rigidity) of the tubular member 7 toward the distal direction. Therefore, it is possible to improve the blood vessel tracking property of the guide wire 1, and it is also possible to prevent the guide wire 1 from being bent.

[0074] In other words, the melted portion 77 is irregularly formed along the longitudinal direction (axis direction) of the tubular member 7, and thus, the rigidity of the tubular member 7 can be changed in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, it is possible to exhibit the excellent operability or apply the desired operability.

[0075] Here, it is preferable not to weld the melted portion 77 to the wire body 2. In other words, it is preferable that the melted portion 77 and the wire body 2 not be integrated with each other by welding. This decreases thermal damage to the wire body 2, and thus, it is possible to configure the guide wire 1 which has the excellent operability and the reliability.

[0076] In addition, it is preferable that the plurality of melted portions 77 be regularly (at equal intervals) formed along a circumferential direction of the tubular member 7. In addition, it is preferable that a shape and a size of each melted portion 77 be substantially equal to each other. Accordingly, a bonding state of the tubular member 7 and the wire body 2 is regular (constant) along the circumferential direction of the tubular member 7, thereby improving the operability of the guide wire 1. Note that, in the plurality of melted portions 77, adjacent melted portions 77 may be separated from each other or may be in contact with each other.

[0077] It is preferable that the tubular member 7 be configured with a material harder than the resin material configuring the resin coating layer 6, and it is preferable to use the metal material as the material thereof. As the metal material, for example, the stainless steel, the super-elastic alloy, the cobalt-based alloy, precious metals such as gold, platinum, tungsten and the like, or alloys containing these materials (for example, platinum-iridium alloy) can be exemplified. Particularly, it is preferable to employ the platinum-iridium alloy in a viewpoint of hardness and processing workability.

[0078] By disposing the tubular member 7, the distal of the catheter is prevented from coming into contact with the proximal 63 of the resin coating layer 6 while the distal crosses over the tubular member 7 to abut on the resin coating layer 6. As a result, even if the proximal 63 is slightly curled, the distal of the catheter is reliably prevented from being caught on the proximal 63.

[0079] In addition, in the guide wire 1, since the tubular member 7 and the wire body 2 are firmly fixed to each other by the melted portion 77 of the tubular member 7, even if the wire body 2 is curved near the tubular member 7, the tubular member 7 curves along the wire body 2. Therefore, since smooth bending can be realized without forming an unnecessary gap between the tubular member 7 and the wire body 2, it is possible to prevent a proximal side of the distal side coating layer 6 from being curled.

<Second Embodiment>

[0080] Next, a guide wire according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0081] Fig. 4 is a plan view illustrating a tubular member included in the guide wire according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Hereinafter, the guide wire according to the present embodiment will be described. However, points different from those in the first embodiment will be mainly described and the same description will be omitted.

[0083] The guide wire according to the present embodiment is the same as in the guide wire in the first embodiment except that the configuration of the tubular member is different.

[0084] As illustrated in Fig. 4, a tubular member 7A included in a guide wire 1A according to the present embodiment is substantially constant in its outer diameter throughout the entire region in the longitudinal direction. In other words, there is no tapered portion as in the aforementioned first embodiment. In addition, the plurality of melted portions 77 are formed on the proximal side of the tubular member 7. In contrast, the melted portion 77 is not formed on the distal side of the tubular member 7.

[0085] In this manner, the melted portion 77 is formed in the proximal portion of the tubular member 7, and thus, it is possible to exhibit the same effect as in the aforementioned first embodiment. In addition, since the melted portion 77 is not formed in the distal portion of the tubular member 7, it is possible to further separate heat which is generated when forming the melted portion 77 from the resin coating layer 6, and thus, it is possible to further reduce the heat transmitted to the resin coating layer 6. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the resin coating layer 6 from melting.

[0086] According to the second embodiment, it is possible to exhibit the same effect as in the aforementioned first embodiment.

<Third Embodiment>

[0087] Next, a guide wire according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0088] Fig. 5 is a plan view illustrating a tubular member included in the guide wire according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Hereinafter, the guide wire according to the present embodiment will be described. However, the points different from those in the first embodiment will be mainly described and the same description will be omitted.

[0090] The guide wire according to the present embodiment is the same as in the guide wire in the first embodiment except that the configuration of the tubular member is different therefrom.

[0091] As illustrated in Fig. 5, a tubular member 7B included in a guide wire 1B according to the present embodiment is substantially constant in its outer diameter throughout the entire region in the longitudinal direction. In other words, there is no tapered portion as in the aforementioned first embodiment.

[0092] In addition, the melted portion 77 is formed so as to cause an occupation rate with respect to an outer peripheral surface of the tubular member 7B to be lower on the distal side than the proximal side. Accordingly, it is possible to gradually increase the rigidity of the tubular member 7B toward the distal direction, and thus, it is possible to improve the blood vessel tracking property of the guide wire 1, and it is also possible to prevent the guide wire 1 from being bent.

[0093] Specifically, the plurality of melted portions 77 are configured to be in the substantially same shape and size, and the tubular member 7B is formed in a state where its numbers included in a unit area on the outer peripheral surface (that is, density) gradually decrease from the proximal side toward the distal side. In addition, the melted portion 77 is formed throughout the entire region of the tubular member 7B in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, with a simple configuration, it is possible to gradually increase the rigidity of the tubular member 7B toward the distal direction.

[0094] Particularly, in the present embodiment, the melted portion 77 is formed in the proximal portion of the tubular member 7B as well as in the distal portion. The melted portions 77 are respectively formed in the proximal portion and the distal portion of the tubular member 7B, and rigidity of each of the proximal portion and the distal portion is lowered, and thus, the proximal portion and the distal portion of the tubular member 7 are easily deformed compared to in a case where the melted portion 77 is not formed. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the tracking property with respect to the deformation of the wire body 2.

[0095] According to the third embodiment, it is possible to exhibit the same effect as in the aforementioned first embodiment.

<Fourth Embodiment>

[0096] Next, a guide wire according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0097] Fig. 6 is a plan view illustrating a tubular member included in the guide wire according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Hereinafter, the guide wire according to the present embodiment will be described. However, the points different from those in the first embodiment will be mainly described and the same description will be omitted.

[0099] The guide wire according to the present embodiment is the same as in the guide wire in the first embodiment except that the configuration of the tubular member is different therefrom.

[0100] As illustrated in Fig. 6, a tubular member 7C included in a guide wire 1C according to the present embodiment is substantially constant in its outer diameter throughout the entire region in the longitudinal direction. In other words, there is no tapered portion as in the aforementioned first embodiment.

[0101] In addition, the melted portion 77 is formed so as to cause the occupation rate with respect to an outer peripheral surface of the tubular member 7C to be lower on the distal side than the proximal side. Accordingly, it is possible to gradually increase the rigidity of the tubular member 7C toward the distal direction, and thus, it is possible to improve the blood vessel tracking property of the guide wire 1, and it is also possible to prevent the guide wire 1 from being bent.

[0102] Specifically, the plurality of melted portions 77 are formed in a state where its area gradually decreases from the proximal side toward the distal side. In addition, the melted portion 77 is formed throughout the entire region of the tubular member 7C in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, with the simple configuration, it is possible to gradually increase the rigidity of the tubular member 7C toward the distal direction.

[0103] According to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to exhibit the same effect as in the aforementioned first embodiment.

<Fifth Embodiment>

[0104] Next, a guide wire according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0105] Fig. 7 is a plan view illustrating a tubular member included in the guide wire according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Hereinafter, the guide wire according to the present embodiment will be described. However, the points different from those in the first embodiment will be mainly described and the same description will be omitted.

[0107] The guide wire according to the present embodiment is the same as in the guide wire in the first embodiment except that the configuration of the tubular member is different therefrom.

[0108] As illustrated in Fig. 7, a tubular member 7D included in a guide wire 1D according to the present embodiment is substantially constant in its outer diameter throughout the entire region in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the plurality of melted portions 77 are formed on the distal side of the tubular member 7. In contrast, the melted portion 77 is not formed on the proximal side of the tubular member 7.

[0109] In this manner, the melted portion 77 is formed in only the distal portion of the tubular member 7, and thus, it is possible to cause the rigidity of the distal portion of the tubular member 7D to be lower than the rigidity of the proximal portion. Therefore, the blood vessel tracking property of the guide wire 1 is improved.

[0110] According to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to exhibit the same effect as in the aforementioned first embodiment.

[0111] Hereinbefore, the guide wire according to the illustrated embodiments of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and each portion configuring the guide wire can be replaced with an arbitrarily configured portion which is enabled to exhibit the same function. In addition, an arbitrarily configured material may be added thereto.

[0112] In addition, in the aforementioned embodiments, a case where two wires are bonded to form the wire body is described. However, the wire body may be configured with one wire.

[0113] In addition, in the aforementioned embodiments, a case where the tubular member has a circular pipe shape is described. However, for example, the tubular member may have a shape where slits allowing the inside and the outside thereof to communicate with each other throughout the entire region in the longitudinal direction, that is, a shape of a transverse section, to be in a C-shape.

Industrial Applicability

[0114] A guide wire according to the present invention includes an elongated wire body having flexibility; a distal side coating layer that covers a distal portion of the wire body and is configured with a resin material; and a tubular member that is inserted through the wire body and of which a distal portion is positioned in the vicinity of a proximal portion of the distal side coating layer. A plurality of melted portions which are concavely deformed to the wire body side by melting are formed in the tubular member. The tubular member is fixed to the wire body by bringing the melted portion into press-contact with the wire body. For this reason, since the tubular member and the wire body are firmly fixed to each other by the melted portion of the tubular member, even if the wire body is curved near the tubular member, the tubular member curves along the wire body. Therefore, since smooth bending can be realized without forming an unnecessary gap between the tubular member and the wire body, it is possible to prevent a proximal side of the distal side coating layer from being curled.

[0115] Therefore, the guide wire according to the present invention has industrial applicability.

Reference Signs List

[0116] 

1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D

guide wire

2

wire body

21

first wire

211

constant outer diameter portion

212

constant outer diameter portion

213

tapered portion

22

second wire

221

constant outer diameter portion

222

constant outer diameter portion

223

tapered portion

31

fixing material

32

fixing material

4

coil

6

resin coating layer (distal side coating layer)

61

distal surface

63

proximal

7, 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D

tubular member

71

distal

76

tapered portion

77

melted portion

9

coating layer

91

inner layer

92

outer layer

93

linear body

94

convex portion

95

concave portion

951

bottom portion

S11

section

S12

section

S13

section

Claims

1. A guide wire comprising:

an elongated wire body having flexibility;

a distal side coating layer that covers a distal portion of the wire body and is configured with a resin material; and

a tubular member that is inserted through the wire body and of which a distal portion is positioned in the vicinity of a proximal portion of the distal side coating layer,

wherein a plurality of melted portions which are concavely deformed to the wire body by melting are formed in the tubular member, and

wherein the tubular member is fixed to the wire body by bringing the melted portion into press-contact with the wire body.

2. The guide wire according to Claim 1,
wherein the plurality of melted portions are irregularly formed along an axis direction of the tubular member.

3. The guide wire according to Claim 1 or 2,
wherein a site corresponding to the melted portion of the tubular member has rigidity lower than that of other sites.

4. The guide wire according to any one of Claims 1 to 3,
wherein the melted portion is formed in a proximal portion of the tubular member.

5. The guide wire according to Claim 4,
wherein the tubular member has a tapered portion of which an outer diameter is tapered toward a proximal side and the melted portion is formed in the tapered portion.

Drawing